Seahawks QB Russell Wilson says he didn’t have a concussion in NFC title game, stands by ‘Recovery Water’

On Wednesday a Rolling Stone profile of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson created national news when Wilson claimed in the story that a product he invests in helped him after he suffered a head injury during the NFC championship game.

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (3) said he did not suffer a concussion in last year’s NFC championship game. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Wilson clarified his comments Thursday, saying he never suffered a concussion on a hit from Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews following a second-quarter interception in the Seahawks’ 28-22 come-from-behind victory. But he also stood by his praise of Reliant Recovery Water, which Rolling Stone writer Stephen Rodrick described as a “a $3-per-bottle concoction with nanobubbles and electrolytes.”

“I did not have a concussion,” Wilson told reporters after Seahawks practice at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton. “I was saying that I had been consistently drinking the water for a month, month-and-a-half, five to seven times a day. And I was like, ‘Man, maybe this stuff is helping me out.'”

After the blindside block by Matthews, which earned the linebacker a $22,050 fine, there was some criticism of the Seahawks for allowing Wilson back in the game after a very brief sideline exam. But the fourth-year quarterback said Thursday he believed hydration — and specifically hydration with Recovery Water — may have helped prevent a concussion.

“I didn’t have a head injury,” he said later. “What I was trying to say is I think it helped prevent it. I think your brain is consisted of 75, 80 percent water, so I think that just being hydrated, drinking the Recovery Water, really does help.”

Wilson said he thought his comments in the Rolling Stone article, which made it sound as if drinking Recovery Water after the hit from Matthews helped the signal caller avoid a concussion, may have been “perceived wrong” by Rodrick. Those comments came under fire from the likes of The Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore, who wrote Thursday that the quarterback’s claims were irresponsible — and potentially dangerous.

“Wilson’s assertion is not only blatantly foolish,” Kilgore wrote. “It is reckless and craven, an attempt to profit with a ridiculous claim that could lead to impressionable players misdiagnosing their own concussion.”

But Wilson said Thursday that he believed in the Washington-based company and its product, which he said teammates Kam Chancellor and Russell Okung also used.

“It’s one of those things where I truly do believe it helps with recovery,” Wilson said. “I’ve been down to the laboratory in Tacoma. It’s pretty amazing so see everything that’s going into it, so it’s going to be a special company. I really believe in that.”

<p><b><big>15. LB Bruce Irvin</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: A supremely athletic pass-rusher coming out of West Virginia, Irvin has developed into a first-rate all-around linebacker since the team selected him No. 15 overall in 2012. After the Seahawks declined the fifth-year option of his rookie contract this offseason, he will likely test free-agent waters following the 2015 campaign.</p> less

<p><b><big>15. LB Bruce Irvin</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: A supremely athletic pass-rusher coming out of West Virginia, Irvin has developed into a first-rate all-around linebacker since the team selected him No. ... more

Photo: AP

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<p><b><big>14. WR Doug Baldwin</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: He won’t wow you with size or speed, but the former undrafted free agent has contributed since his rookie season, and is inarguably the team’s best route runner. That skill, combined with some of the squad’s best hands and an irascible on-the-field personality, has made him into Russell Wilson’s favorite target.</p> less

<p><b><big>14. WR Doug Baldwin</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: He won’t wow you with size or speed, but the former undrafted free agent has contributed since his rookie season, and is inarguably the team’s best ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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<p><b><big>13. DE Cliff Avril</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Since signing with Seattle as a free agent ahead of the 2013 season, Avril has proven to be a consistent pass-rushing threat. That was obvious in Super Bowl XLIX, when the Seahawks defense was unable to stop Tom Brady and the New England Patriots after Avril left with a concussion in the third quarter.</p> less

<p><b><big>13. DE Cliff Avril</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Since signing with Seattle as a free agent ahead of the 2013 season, Avril has proven to be a consistent pass-rushing threat. That was obvious in Super ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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<p><b><big>12. DT Brandon Mebane</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: A top-notch lane clogger and run stuffer, Mebane demonstrated his worth in 2014 after he missed seven games after suffering a hamstring injury. Kevin Williams did an admirable job playing the nose in Mebane’s place, but the Seahawks’ ability to stuff the run at the point of attack wasn’t quite the same.</p> less

<p><b><big>12. DT Brandon Mebane</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: A top-notch lane clogger and run stuffer, Mebane demonstrated his worth in 2014 after he missed seven games after suffering a hamstring injury. Kevin ... more

Photo: AP

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<p><b><big>11. WR/KR Tyler Lockett</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Can a rookie already be among the team’s most irreplaceable players? This might be a case of boarding the preseason hype train, but the third-round pick out of Kansas State has shown enough in practice and the preseason to demonstrate his ability as at least an explosive returner, which the Seahawks lacked in 2014.</p> less

<p><b><big>11. WR/KR Tyler Lockett</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Can a rookie already be among the team’s most irreplaceable players? This might be a case of boarding the preseason hype train, but the third-round ... more

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<p><b><big>10. T Russell Okung</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: The Seahawks’ longest-tenured offensive lineman, Okung has held down the crucial left tackle spot for Seattle since joining the team as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2010 draft. An unrestricted free agent following the 2015 season, there’s a real question about whether or not the Hawks can afford to re-sign him.</p> less

<p><b><big>10. T Russell Okung</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: The Seahawks’ longest-tenured offensive lineman, Okung has held down the crucial left tackle spot for Seattle since joining the team as the No. 6 ... more

Photo: AP

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<p><b><big>9. LB K.J. Wright</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Wright is the team’s most underrated player and one of the most versatile linebackers in the league, making him an absolute luxury for Seattle. The starting weakside ‘backer can also play the strongside and in the middle, which he did when Bobby Wagner missed time in 2015. He’s effective in coverage and against the run.</p> less

<p><b><big>9. LB K.J. Wright</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Wright is the team’s most underrated player and one of the most versatile linebackers in the league, making him an absolute luxury for Seattle. The ... more

Photo: AP

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<p><b><big>8. TE Jimmy Graham</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: There is perhaps no player in the NFL with Graham’s combination of size, speed and skill. His acquisition this offseason should work wonders for a Seattle passing attack that had grown stagnant at times and lacked a go-to target on third down and in the red zone.</p> less

<p><b><big>8. TE Jimmy Graham</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: There is perhaps no player in the NFL with Graham’s combination of size, speed and skill. His acquisition this offseason should work wonders for a ... more

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<p><b><big>7. SS Kam Chancellor</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Once regarded as simply and in-the-box run supporter after joining the team as a fifth-round pick in 2010, Chancellor made it clear with his play that he’s equally effective against the pass. His contract holdout throughout training camp and the preseason has made the team examine just how irreplaceable he is.</p> less

<p><b><big>7. SS Kam Chancellor</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Once regarded as simply and in-the-box run supporter after joining the team as a fifth-round pick in 2010, Chancellor made it clear with his play that ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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<p><b><big>6. MLB Bobby Wagner</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: A second-round pick out of Utah State in 2012, Wagner has started in the middle of the Hawks’ top-ranked defense since joining the team. With speed and instincts second to none, he’s one of the rangiest linebackers in the league. Add in first-rate talking ability and you’ve got one of the top defenders in the NFL.</p> less

<p><b><big>6. MLB Bobby Wagner</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: A second-round pick out of Utah State in 2012, Wagner has started in the middle of the Hawks’ top-ranked defense since joining the team. With speed and ... more

Photo: AP

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<p><b><big>5. CB Richard Sherman</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: He may be the best corner in the game, but he’s only No. 5 on our list. Sherman has developed from little-known fifth-round pick to a three-time All-Pro with his blend of size, speed and physicality. A true lock-down corner, his ability to take away one side of the field allows the Seattle defense to operate in smaller spaces.</p> less

<p><b><big>5. CB Richard Sherman</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: He may be the best corner in the game, but he’s only No. 5 on our list. Sherman has developed from little-known fifth-round pick to a three-time ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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<p><b><big>4. RB Marshawn Lynch</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: In an age of cookie-cutter running backs, “Beast Mode” breaks the mold. With his combination of brute force and dazzling creativity, Lynch is among the NFL’s most distinctive runners — and a throwback to the days of beautiful bruisers like Walter Payton and Jim Brown. His ability has allowed the Seahawks to thrive despite a suspect line at times.</p> less

<p><b><big>4. RB Marshawn Lynch</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: In an age of cookie-cutter running backs, “Beast Mode” breaks the mold. With his combination of brute force and dazzling creativity, Lynch is among ... more

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<p><b><big>3. FS Earl Thomas</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Thomas, the team’s second first-round pick in 2010, is the center fielder of the Seahawks defense. With speed to burn and a knack for making a big play, his ability to play the deep middle allows Chancellor to operate underneath and Sherman to isolate his side of the field. He’s an integral part of Pete Carroll’s scheme.</p> less

<p><b><big>3. FS Earl Thomas</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Thomas, the team’s second first-round pick in 2010, is the center fielder of the Seahawks defense. With speed to burn and a knack for making a big play, ... more

Photo: AP

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<p><b><big>2. DE Michael Bennett</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: This ranking will shock some, but it shouldn’t if you watch Seahawks football closely. Bennett is able to play four spots along the defensive front — and play them all extremely well. His sack numbers are pedestrian by some comparisons, but Bennett’s ability to destroy run plays with penetration (aided by a motor that never quits) is remarkable.</p> less

<p><b><big>2. DE Michael Bennett</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: This ranking will shock some, but it shouldn’t if you watch Seahawks football closely. Bennett is able to play four spots along the defensive front ... more

Photo: AP

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<p><b><big>1. QB Russell Wilson</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Of course, No. 1 is Wilson; not only because he’s the quarterback, but because his gifts are so rare. The 2012 third-round pick has a strong, accurate arm and the ability to run the ball with deadly effectiveness. But it’s his penchant for keeping plays alive that’s most magical, and the hardest skill to reproduce.</p> less

<p><b><big>1. QB Russell Wilson</b></big><br>
<p>Notes: Of course, No. 1 is Wilson; not only because he’s the quarterback, but because his gifts are so rare. The 2012 third-round pick has a strong, accurate ... more

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Seahawks QB Russell Wilson says he didn't have a concussion in NFC title game, stands by 'Recovery Water'